Investing in our environment

Carmarthenshire County Council continues to work towards its target of net zero carbon by 2030 through its collaborative work within our local communities. With help from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund [UKSPF], the County Council has been able to fund a range of projects that are committed to combating climate change, reducing waste, improving energy efficiency, providing sustainable transport and improving the environment around us.

One project supported by the fund is Tetrim Teas Ltd based in Trimsaran, near Kidwelly. Tetrim Ltd is the first company in Wales to use Hempcrete, a bio- based construction material, in the development of a community asset in Trimsaran.  The revolutionary and modern material, which was originally developed in France during the 1980s, is being used to breathe life back into the former Mineral Welfare Hall in the village. The transformation of the otherwise derelict building into a Food Drying and Processing Centre, enhanced by the  special construction material which will help prevent damp in a food grade environment.

Tetrim Teas package their biodegradable tea bags in compostable and recyclable card boxes, therefore avoiding plastics. The project will create new jobs for local people and provide a social benefit by facilitating weekly tea clubs for the rural community, as well as community education days on ‘What is Hempcrete’.

Kidwelly is town of the month this November!

Kidwelly based UK SPF funded project  CETMA, Community Engagement, Technology, Media and Arts, has been hard at work , delivering on a circular economy project that focuses on encouraging local people to buy second hand electrical appliances.

Johanthan Williams from CETMA commented:

Our circular economy project which sees us refurbishing, PAT testing, and then distributing donated electrical items has been playing its part in ensuring that items are given a second life instead of ending up disposed of.

To read more about our town of the month, please visit the Newsroom.

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism, Cllr Hazel Evans, commented:

It is important to mention the work in our towns and communities are doing to benefit our environment during Wales Climate Week. With thanks to the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, we are able to give funding to projects that do work within our locality to educate and provide opportunities to Carmarthenshire residents about what changes they can make to improve our climate, ensuring that Carmarthenshire is doing all it can to better the environment around us.

Find out more about the other carbon zero projects supported by the UKSPF Funding

Circular economy projects supporting reduction in waste

1. SERO run by Carmarthen Together is a new climate and environment centre in the centre of Carmarthen, holding regular workshops, events and film screenings on how we can all reduce, re-use and repair items.
   https://carmarthen-together.vercel.app/en
2. The Foothold centre in Llanelli is opening a new Community Hub aimed at promoting circular economy practices and reducing waste across Llanelli. https://footholdcymru.org.uk/
3. The Railway Goods Shed in Llanelli will be opening a new cleaning hub, where members of the public are given access to a wide range of biodegradable cleaning materials. To register your interest, email: llanellirgst@gmail.com

Improving energy efficiency

1. Llandysul Paddlers have been awarded funding for solar panels, reducing their supply from the grid by 25% through storage of additional power in batteries. To find out more: Renewable Energy Project (gov.wales)
2. Carmarthen Town Council has been awarded funding to complete a feasibility study looking at Carmarthen Town achieving net zero by 2050. Community Energy Feasibility Study (gov.wales)

Improving the environment

1. Cilymaenllwyd Community Council has restored numerous public rights of way and footpaths within their area, reconnecting the communities and restoring walking infrastructure. Cilymaenllwyd Footpath Restoration (gov.wales)
2. The West Wales River Trust through the involvement of volunteers across Carmarthenshire, is aiming to remove 2 tonnes of waste from the rivers in the county. Adopt a Tributary (gov.wales)
3. The National Botanic Garden of Wales is working in partnership with Hywel Dda University Health Board to develop underutilised pockets of green space across the health board sites in Carmarthenshire.
   Gwyrddio’r Tir – Shades of Green (gov.wales)

Public Transport

• Bws Bach y Wlad is a rural bus service, a lifeline for those within isolated communities, reducing the need for car ownership. Bws Bach y Wlad (gov.wales)
• Dolen Teifi Community Transport project is a volunteer run service which has purchased a 17-seater minibus to address the lack of transport for residents in the Gwendraeth Valley area. Driving Forward (gov.wales)